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November 2026

Message from Library Director Pamela Monroe

Some of you may have heard just how awesome your library is, but now the rest of the country is hearing about it, too.

In September, our Main Library's second-floor renovation was featured in American Libraries magazine's 2026 Library Design Showcase. What an incredible honor for our library system! More importantly, it's a wonderful example of how our Essential Libraries Initiative has moved from planning to reality. You told us you wanted more meeting rooms, study spaces, and places to connect with others, and we listened.

But here's something you may not know: Our meeting spaces aren't limited to the Main Library.

Not long ago, I was attending an off-site meeting when I realized I needed a quiet place to join a virtual meeting. What did I do? I booked the conference room at our Eastside Branch Library. And what a beautiful space it is, with vaulted ceilings, a gorgeous view of the pond, and plenty of room to gather. I couldn't help but think, "This is exactly what we want our libraries to be: welcoming, convenient spaces that work for you." And every branch offers some type of space where people can come together.

Whether you're meeting with a study group, gathering your homeowners association, working on a community project, or hosting one of my personal favorites, a book club, there's a place for you at your library.

That's what I love about today's libraries. Yes, we still have books (lots of them!), but we're also places where ideas are exchanged, friendships are formed, projects take shape, and communities grow stronger.

So next time you need a place to collaborate, think about us. Grab your library card (or apply for one) and reserve a room. We'd love to see you!

Amazing things are happening,

Pamela Monroe, Library Director

Celebrate the history, heritage, and contributions of Native peoples during Native American Heritage Month. Throughout November, explore Indigenous stories, traditions, and cultures through special programs, curated book lists, movie watchlists, and digital resources from the Leon County Public Library.

• Virtual Author Talk with Asha Frost: Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m. Explore Indigenous wisdom and ancestral connections as Asha Frost discusses her book "You Are the Medicine."

• An Indigenous History of Tallahassee: Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. at the Leon County Main Library. Discover the history of the Apalachee people and their connections to Tallahassee with Florida State University historian Aubrey Lauersdorf.

• Virtual Author Talk with Pyet DeSpain: Thursday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. Join the award-winning chef as she discusses "Rooted in Fire," her debut cookbook celebrating Native American and Mexican culinary traditions.

Celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month at Vision to Venture: Inspiring Entrepreneurs, Supporting Success on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leon County Main Library.

Hear firsthand experiences from local entrepreneurs, connect with business experts, and discover resources to help start or grow your business. Whether you're developing a new idea or expanding an existing venture, this event offers practical guidance, networking opportunities, and inspiration to take your next step.

November is National Family Literacy Month, a time to celebrate reading, learning, and having fun together. The Leon County Public Library invites families and friends to build literacy skills together through two engaging activities.

• Family and Friends Game Time: Thursday, Nov. 19, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lake Jackson Branch Library. Play new and familiar games, enjoy snacks, and build literacy skills through friendly competition.

• Seek and Find at the Library: Throughout November at all library locations. Put your observation skills to the test with a hidden-picture game and earn a special prize.

Story Time and Stay & Play will take scheduled breaks in November:

• Nov. 1-6: All library locations except the Main Library, Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library, and virtual.

• Nov. 24-28: All library locations.

Visit the library's events calendar for the latest schedules and updates.

Take more time to read and listen this holiday season with extended checkout periods at all Leon County Public Library locations. From Nov. 20 through Dec. 29, most items that normally check out for three weeks, including books, books on CD, and music CDs, will check out for six weeks. Enjoy extra time with your favorite titles or discover something new!

All Leon County Public Library locations will be closed on the following dates:

• Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3

• Veterans Day: Wednesday, Nov. 11

• Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 26

• Family Day: Friday, Nov. 27

While our buildings are closed, the Digital Library is always open. Explore e-books, audiobooks, movies, and more from wherever you are.

Connect with bestselling authors, award-winning writers, and inspiring voices from the comfort of home through the Leon County Public Library's Virtual Author Talks. Enjoy live conversations and interactive Q&A sessions, or watch recordings at your convenience. 

Explore this month’s featured talks:

• Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m.: “Reclaiming Your Inner Wisdom: Sacred Indigenous Teachings with Asha Frost”. Discover Indigenous wisdom and ancestral connections with bestselling author and spiritual mentor Asha Frost.

• Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m.: “How Money Became God: Rethinking Wealth and Greed in Modern Society with Paul Vigna”. Explore society's relationship with money and wealth with veteran Wall Street Journal reporter Paul Vigna.

• Thursday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m.: “Fire, Passion, and Heritage: Native American and Mexican Cooking with Chef Pyet DeSpain”. Celebrate Indigenous culinary traditions with the “Next Level Chef” winner and creator of Indigenous fusion cuisine.

• Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m.: “Epic Worlds and Celestial Prophecies: Exploring the Between Earth and Sky Trilogy with Rebecca Roanhorse”. Explore fantasy storytelling with the New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author.